Schroder declares candidacy to replace Gerlach in PA-6

Only hours after Congressman Jim Gerlach (R-6) announced that he would run for Governor, state Representative Curt Schroder (R-Chester) declared his candidacy to replace Gerlach in the 6th District.

Schroder had long said he would vie for Gerlach’s seat if the four-term Congressman stepped aside in favor of a gubernatorial run, and after filing paperwork with the Federal Election Commission weeks ago, his announcement was mostly a formality. But as Democrats continue to coalesce around Doug Pike, the contours of the race are becoming increasingly clear.

“I have decided to enter this race to ensure that the values that built our country remain for our children, that we encourage the policies of entrepreneurism, limited government and to preserve the economic future of our nation,” Schroder said in a statement.

His first challenge will be a financial one. Pike has been laying the groundword for his campaign for months and is expected to have significantly more campaign cash than Schroder. In an increasingly Democratic district that Gerlach has struggled to hold, Democrats have high hopes.

See Schroder’s full release below:

SCHRODER ANNOUNCES CANDIDACY FOR CONGRESS

State Representative Curt Schroder running to serve the 6th Congressional District

Downington, PA –State Representative Curt Schroder today announced that he is seeking the Republican nomination for the 6th Congressional District that includes portions of Chester, Berks, Lehigh, and Montgomery counties.

“I have decided to enter this race to ensure that the values that built our country remain for our children, that we encourage the policies of entrepreneurism, limited government and to preserve the economic future of our nation,” said Curt Schroder.

Schroder added, “America’s greatness comes from free enterprise and hard working families, not government bailouts and bureaucracy. I will bring my passion for public service and Pennsylvania values to Washington to better our community and nation.”

As a life long resident of Chester County, Curt grew up in the Downingtown area and now raises his family in East Brandywine Township. Curt and his wife Deanna have two kids, Mark and Kristen. Curt’s life long devotion to Chester County motivates him to be a zealous advocate for the best interests of his community.

Raised in a blue collar, middle class family, Curt Schroder understands the pressures of raising a family and making ends meet on a limited budget. After graduating from Downingtown High School in 1979, Curt attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). Summers were spent working in the steamy environs of the Davey Paper Company where he earned money for the next year of college. After graduating from IUP in 1983, Curt went to Widener School of Law’s evening division in Wilmington Delaware at night while working for the Philadelphia law firm German, Gallagher and Murtagh during the day. Schroder practiced law with German, Gallagher after graduating law school and passing the bar exam.

First elected to the State House in 1994, Schroder has been an effective advocate for legislative issues and a champion for our communities in Harrisburg. During his time in the legislature, Curt has been a leader in many issues including healthcare and government reform. Schroder lead efforts to reform medical malpractice and preserve our healthcare system. Schroder also spearheaded efforts to reform the PA General Assembly and preserve the secret ballot rights of workers.

Schroder believes strongly in community service and serves in a number of community organizations. He serves on the Boards of Brandywine Hospital and Brandywine YMCA. He previously served on the Chester County Drug and Alcohol Advisory Board and as a member of the East Brandywine Township Planning Commission.

Curt Schroder has received numerous honors for his work in the House and here at home. He was presented with Leadership Awards from both the Hospital and Healthcare Association of Pennsylvania (HAP) and the Delaware Valley Health Care Council, the 2004 Friend of Family Medicine Award from the Academy of Family Physicians, and Legislator of the Year from the Pennsylvania Orthopedic Society.

Curt received the first Matthew J. Ryan Legislator of the Year Award in 2004 from the Chester County Chamber Foundation. He was named Legislator of the Year by the TriCounty Chamber of Commerce in 2002 and again in 2006. Schroder was honored as the Outstanding Citizen of the Year in 1998 by the Downingtown Chamber of Commerce for his work in revitalizing the Borough. In 2007, Curt was named the first recipient of the Sen. Robert. J. Thompson Public Service Award by the Exton Region Chamber of Commerce and was also presented with the Citizenship Award from the Pennsylvania VFW for his commitment to fostering patriotism. More recently Curt Schroder received recognition from the Upper Uwchlan and West Vincent Township Police Departments for his work on the Route 100 Safety Corridor Project.

As our next Congressman Curt looks to continue to work for responsible budgets, low taxes, and limited government so that our country and community can encourage job creation and retain the liberty and freedom for our children’s future.

Curt Schroder believes that government must live within its means and unleash the productive forces of the private sector to lead the way to economic recovery.

“This binge of bailouts and borrowing will come to an end if I have anything to say about it!” concluded Schroder.

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